Victrex recently announced that it has opened its new $13 million Polymer Innovation Center in Thornton Cleveleys, U.K. to help accelerate innovation.
Victrex currently makes high-performance polyaryletherketone (PAEK) as well as selected parts for gears and dental discs.
In hopes of developing next-generation thermoplastic solutions, the new facility is fully-operational and is dedicated to research and development focused on Victrex’s PEEK polymer and other differentiated grades in the PAEK family of high-performance thermoplastics.
Victrex’s Polymer Innovation Center will also expand the company’s capabilities in innovation and assisting customers that are developing technological advances with Victrex’s PAEK solutions. It will also provide rapid prototyping of new parts and components using PAEK materials.
“We continue to expand our PAEK-based portfolio, services and technologies into new markets and new applications. As an innovative world leader and pioneer in high-performance polymers, investments in science and manufacturing capability are key to continuous innovation and to improve innovation cycles and time-to market,” Jakob Sigurdsson, CEO of Victrex, said. “This new facility is another important set for us, particularly as we anticipate around 10-20% of our overall sales will come from new differentiated PAEK polymer grades and our mega-programs in the medium term. It will further enhance our capacity for R7D where we will continue to work in close and continuous cooperation with our customers and partners in driving new and differentiated polymer solutions.”
The new center is expected to bring in 60 new jobs in the region over the span of 10 years. It is set up to deliver 30-70 kg batch manufacture of novel polyaryletherketones while also supporting the improvement in quality and performance of existing products. The building features pilot-scale process technology and equipment that helps open new dimensions for developing high-performance polymers.